- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T. Li, M.D.
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James T. Li, M.D.
James T. Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
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Question
Aspirin allergy: What are the symptoms?
I think I may have an aspirin allergy. What are the symptoms?
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.
It's possible to have a sensitivity to aspirin. In fact, aspirin can cause a severe asthma attack — especially in people who have asthma or sinus problems. Reactions to aspirin are often related to the drug itself, however, rather than to an allergic or immunological response to the drug.
Signs and symptoms of aspirin sensitivity — which usually occur within a few hours of taking the medication — range from mild to serious and may include:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Runny nose
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face
- Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
If you've had a reaction to aspirin, avoid all forms of aspirin. It's also best to avoid other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others). Keep in mind that aspirin and other NSAIDs are found in many over-the-counter medications — so check labels carefully.
If you think you might have an aspirin sensitivity, consult your doctor or allergist for advice. Rarely, aspirin can cause a life-threatening reaction.
- Solomon DH. Patient information: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
- Aspirin/NSAID sensitivity. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/advocate/2004/winter/aspirin.stm. Accessed Aug. 20, 2008.
